What is a Rating Field Inspector (RFI)? A Rating Field Inspector (RFI) is an entry-level position in the HERS Industry. An RFI gathers data in the field by conducting on-site inspections and running diagnostic tests on buildings. The RFI collects data to verify whether various building components, such as insulation, HVAC systems, and windows, are installed the same way they were called for in the building plans. RFIs work under the guidance of a certified Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Rater.
What is a HERS Modeler? A HERS Modeler is an also entry-level position in the HERS Industry. A modeler takes the data gathered in the field and puts it into a specialized software system to create an energy model of the building that is used to calculate it's overall energy efficiency. Modelers also work under the guidance of a certified Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Rater.
What is a HERS Rater? A HERS Rater is a kind of energy auditor who both collects data in the field (as an RFI does) and inputs it into the energy modeling software (as a modeler does). The rater can also use the collected data to analyze the energy efficiency of a building by calculating the HERS Index score and make recommendations to builders, designers and homeowners about how to improve the energy efficiency of a building. RESNET Certified HERS Raters are qualified to perform duct tightness and blower door testing for home builders, certify projects for the ENERGY STAR program (after also completing the Energy Star Certified Homes Program), rate new homes in all states (except CA), and assist homeowners with problems such as ice dams, moisture, and mold.
What is the HERS Index? The HERS Index is the gold standard for energy efficiency ratings of buildings. Over 4 million homes have been issued a HERS Index Score in the US.
What does it mean that RFIs and HERS Modelers operate under a HERS Rater? RFIs and HERS Modelers work closely with a certified HERS Rater throughout the energy assessment process. The HERS Rater provides guidance and oversight to ensure that both field assessments and energy models are conducted accurately and in accordance with industry standards. Only a certified HERS Rater can sign off on a HERS rating that is uploaded into the RESNET registry.
Why is the mentorship pilot project only open to Massachusetts residents? NEHERS has received an grant funding from MassCEC in order to run this mentorship program and the funds are only for Massachusetts residents at this time.
What is the time commitment involved for a participant in this Mentorship Program as an RFI or HERS Modeler Candidate?
- RFI: Class meets from 5:00-7:30PM weeknights (M-F) on Microsoft Teams from March 2nd to April 4th. In addition to evening class, RFIs must do a minimum of 20 hours job shadowing during regular business hours (9AM-5PM M-F) before doing their mentored ratings.
- Modeler: Class meets from 5:00-7:30PM weeknights (M-F) on Microsoft Teams from March 2nd to April 4th and then 5:00-7:00PM weeknights (M-F) from April 6th to May 30th. In addition to evening class, modelers must also do a minimum of 10 hours job shadowing during regular business hours (9AM-5PM M-F) before doing their mentored models.
Upon successful completion of the training, candidates will receive an NEHERS course completion certificate. Please note that the NEHERS certificate is NOT the same as receiving your full credentials from RESNET. The RESNET credentials will come AFTER job placement through your employer’s provider. It will not be possible to complete your credentialing process without job placement, (or if you are self-employed, without obtaining your own provider.)
What will the schedule be for this program as an RFI or HERS Modeler Candidate?
The RFI and Modeler Schedule for 2026 can be found here. PLEASE NOTE: We may still make adjustments or additions to the schedule as we get closer to the start of each program. We have posted a live link so that prospective students can have access to the most current schedule. If you have any problems accessing this schedule, please contact Tim at tim@nehers.org for additional information.
What is the time commitment involved for a participant in this Mentorship Program as a HERS Rater Candidate?
Please see the schedule for the next HERS Rater Training here. Candidates who previously completed our RFI or HERS Modeler training will be given preference for mentored seats in our HERS Rater Training. In addition to attending class, HERS Rater Candidates will meet weekly for case management and also weekly with an assigned career mentor.
Is there any cost for candidates to participate in this program? If accepted into the Mentorship Program, there are no registration fees.
Are there stipends or subsidized wages for participants in this program? Yes. There are modest stipends for this program. We have two kinds of stipends:
- Merit-based stipends: are awarded upon meeting program milestones
- Income-eligible stipends: provide a slightly higher payment for meeting program milestones.
How is Income-Eligibility determined?
If a student marks on their application form that they would like to apply for the Income-Eligible stipend, the student will need to demonstrate that:
- They receive some form of public benefits and provide current documentation of at least one benefit received.
- If MassHealth is the only benefit received, a second form of verification is also needed. (See next line).
- If no public benefits (or only MassHealth) are received, then the student can provide the summary sheet of last year's taxes along with their household size.
- We use the Lower Living Standard Income Level Guidelines | U.S. Department of Labor to determine whether the student's household income is above or below the 100% level listed on Tables 4 or 5 for the most recent year listed. If the household income is below this level, then the student is determined to be low-income and is then eligible to receive the higher stipend amount.
What are the essential functions of being an RFI, Modeler and Rater?
Please see the full list of essential functions for each role here.
What kinds of accommodations can be made if I have a disability?
We welcome students with disabilities to apply for our program. Please consider carefully which role you are applying for, what the essential functions for that role are, and whether the role is a good fit for you with or without accommodation. All requests for accommodation will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
- RFI: requires an individual to spend a lot of time driving to construction sites and being physically active on sites which are at various stages of construction, including sites where there may not yet be any power or working elevators. Physical requirements include, but are not limited to: carrying equipment up to 50 pounds, climbing stairs (with equipment), climbing and standing on ladders to tape ducts, climbing into attics, basements and crawlspaces, and standing for long periods of time.
- This type of job would be good for someone who likes to move around a lot and prefers not to sit at a desk all day.
- Modeler: requires an individual to sit for long periods of time using a computer, including a keyboard and mouse. Must be able to accurately track a lot of data and enter it with precision into the energy modeling software in order to create an energy model.
- This type of job would be good for someone who likes to work with computers, can sustain focus for long periods of time, likes to organize and categorize information, and is able to sit an office all day.
- Rater: The skill set of the rater combines all of the above, plus Raters are trained to analyze the energy efficiency of a building and make recommendations to architects, builders and homeowners about how to make energy efficiency improvements.
- This type of job requires both field and office work.
What exams do an RFIs and HERS Modelers have to take? An RFI candidate must pass the Combustion Safety (RESCAZ) Exam and a HERS Modeler must pass the HERS Modeler Practical Evaluation.
What are mentored ratings or mentored rating models? Mentored ratings or models are practice ratings or models conducted under the supervision of an experienced rater.
What are the steps to becoming an RFI?
- Complete at least three mentored ratings under the supervision of a certified HERS Rater or Candidate Field Assessor
- Pass the RESCAZ Exam
- Pass the Final Graded Field Evaluation under the supervision of a Candidate Field Assessor
Additional information about becoming an RFI can be found here.
What are the steps to becoming a HERS Modeler?
- Take an accredited training from a RESNET-Certified Training Provider
- Complete at least three mentored models as part of the training.
- Pass the HERS Modeler Practical Evaluation
- Successfully complete a minimum of two additional probationary models under the supervision of a Rating Quality Assurance Provider for each RESNET Accredited Software Tool they use.
Additional information about becoming a HERS Modeler can be found here.
What are the steps to becoming a HERS Rater?
- Take an accredited training from a RESNET-Certified Training Provider
- During our training: complete two of the five probationary ratings required by RESNET
- Pass the CAZ exam (those who already passed this exam as an RFI do not need to take it again)
- Pass the Practical Simulation Exam
- Pass the Written HERS Rater Exam
- Upon Completion of our Training, complete your remaining 3 probationary ratings under your employer's provider (or if self-employed, under a provider of your own choosing).
Additional information about becoming a HERS Rater can be found here.
What comes after HERS Rater Training? What opportunities are there for Career Advancement?
The HERS Rater Credential is a gateway to a career path with many opportunities for advancement, including but not limited to:
Above Code Programs:
Additional Certifications:
What other questions do you have? Is there something you'd like to know that isn't covered here?
Please email us at admin@nehers.org with your questions.